Manuka Honey

Australian Manuka vs. NZ Manuka

Rugby, pavlova, Russell Crowe… we Aussies love to get competitive with our neighbours across the ditch. But the rivalry we care most about at Capilano is: who produces the best Manuka Honey?

Well, for starters, Australia has 85 species of Leptospermum. New Zealand only has only one, which was believed to have originated from Australia. This means Australia can produce Manuka honey with the same or, in some cases, more activity than Manuka from New Zealand. Research out of the University of Technology, Sydney backs this up.

You can learn more about the history of Australian Manuka here and the latest Australian Manuka honey fact sheet can be found here. 

Manuka Honey ratings explained

The activity level, or strength, of Manuka Honey can be rated using several different measurements.

Unique Manuka Factor® (UMF®) is used to rate Manuka Honey that has been produced in New Zealand, while methylglyoxal (MGO) and non-peroxide activity (NPA) measurements are typically used globally. UMF® historically was based on the NPA activity as measured by bioassays, but has recently been updated to reflect the significance of MGO, in line with leading Australian research.

Capilano uses the MGO ratings to identify the activity level in our Manuka Honeys through independent testing. MGO is the bioactive chemical that directly relates to the antibacterial activity in the honey. The approximate relationship between the MGO concentration and the NPA/UMF® antibacterial strength rating of Manuka honey is demonstrated in the table below. We also have a written a helpful article with further information. 

To give customers confidence that they are buying quality tested 100% Australian Manuka honey, The Australian Manuka Honey Association has developed a new, revolutionary industry standard that requires Australian Manuka must be independently tested by a registered laboratory to ensure Methylglyoxal (MGO) and Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is present in the honey.

Every batch of Capilano Manuka is tested for integrity and activity. We are independently audited and abide by a strict criteria, which enables us to proudly display the Mark of Authenticity and Mark of Authority (MoA) on every pack of our Aussie Manuka. Learn more about the MoA here.

Our range of Manuka Honey

Capilano’s 100% Australian Active Manuka honey is one of nature’s premium superfoods, known for its deliciously rich flavour and unique bioactive properties.

Australia produces some of the most potent, best tasting manuka honey in the world due to our warmer climate and number of Leptospermum varieties.

Hand collected by local beekeepers in our pristine natural environment, Capilano Manuka is naturally rich in Methylglyoxal (MGO), the key component attributed to the unique activity of Manuka honey.

Each batch is independently tested to guarantee its MGO levels - the higher the MGO number, the more potent the honey’s activity.